The very second the two of you exchange vows you are, by Australian law, legally married. Saying "I do" doesn't make you married, that's why most of my ceremonies don't include those words, and saying "I now pronounce you" doesn't legal pronounce you anything. It's the moment you exchange vows.
So after then, you can do whatever you like, some people get photos, some eat meals with their guests, some just go home and eat pizza in a hotel room. But I'm guessing by "post-wedding" you want to talk about the next day, and thereafter.
The first step is to be awesome to each other. Communicate your expectations, your hopes, your dreams, and work your ass off to love one another. I recommend joint bank accounts because the research says that couples that join their finances become wealthier, more successful, and happier.
You might want to consider coming under the same family name as well. Not that names and having the same name makes you more or less married, but there's a powerful signal delivered when you use all the resources available to you to leave your old life where you weren't married and you come together under a new banner, a new tribal identifier, a new name.
This might be one of your existing last names, or a new last name you create yourselves.
Either way, communicating, joining your money and unifying your tribal identifier - name, are the three simplest ways to enter marriage with an air of success and partnership. In the end, you can do what you like, I'm not your mum. I've been given feedback that joint bank accounts aren't great for people in abusive marriages, and for those people I agree. But I could only hope you wouldn't enter into marriage with an abuser, and honestly I don't know how to square this circle. Healthy marriages are where both people are consenting, where both people are heard, both people are loved, where both people can talk about all things including money, and both people are safe. If that's not you, please seek help.
All of that said, to get a joint bank account, and to change name, you're going to need an Official Certificate of Marriage. The yellowish Certificate of Marriage that you're handed on your wedding day is lovely and formal, but it's missing that word "Official" because an OCoM can only be issued by the Births, Deaths, and Marriages department of the state of Australia where your marriage was registered, and your marriage is registered in the state in which the ceremony occured. Not the state where you live, or where the celebrant lives. Some states in Australia make this easy, some make it hard, when I'm your celebrant I'll walk you through the steps so it's easy.
Josh Withers
Firstly, congratulations on your daughter's upcoming wedding. It's wonderful that you wish to take on the role of marriage celebrant for her special day.
To become a marriage celebrant in Australia and perform legal marriage ceremonies, you will need to complete several steps, which include training, applying for registration, and meeting ongoing professional requirements as set out by the Attorney-General's Department.
Here is a general overview of the process:
1. Training: All applicants must complete the Certificate IV in Celebrancy (CHC41015) through a registered training organisation (RTO). This certificate includes units specifically on marriage celebrancy.
2. Application: Once you've completed the required training, you can apply to the Attorney-General's Department to become a Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrant.
3. Fit and Proper Person Test: As part of the application process, you must demonstrate that you are a fit and proper person to become a celebrant. This includes criminal history and other checks.
4. Ongoing Professional Development: If you become an authorised celebrant, you will need to undertake five hours of professional development each year to maintain your registration.
Timeframe: The key factor you need to consider is the time it takes to complete the Certificate IV in Celebrancy, which could take several months. After successfully completing your training, the application process for becoming a registered marriage celebrant can also take time. The Attorney-General's Department states that applications can take up to three months to be processed.
Given these steps and depending on various factors such as the availability of training programs, your study pace, and processing times for your application, it might be challenging to complete everything within 12 months. However, it could be feasible if you begin the process immediately and if all elements align in a timely manner.
You can find detailed information on becoming a marriage celebrant on the Attorney-General's Department website. It is recommended to commence the process as early as possible to accommodate any unforeseen delays.
Keep in mind that the role of a marriage celebrant is not only a ceremonial one but also carries legal responsibilities. Ensure you are well-informed about these duties and comfortable in fulfilling them for your daughter's wedding.
Good luck with the process, and I hope that you will be able to enjoy this special occasion with your daughter.